Short Bio:

Gregory Katz trained as an architect first at UCT and then furthered his studies with a Masters degree in New York at Columbia University. He is lucky enough to count famous starchitect Daniel Libeskind as one of his personal mentors. Greg loves making things and this extends outside of the realm of architecture into other design fields like jewellery and furniture. There is also a focus on material research in his work. Greg seeks to discovery new, modern techniques to create comfortable living and work spaces shrugging off staid notions of style in favour of a fresh approach to the environment and functionality. The bottom line is he likes to try things without being too precious about precedent. He likes tomato soup and his wife thinks he's very nice.

Career History:

2004-Ongoing Gregory Katz Architecture, Johannesburg

Soccer Clubhouse, Wanderers Club, Jhb. 700m2 (Approx. Value R8M)

House Keus, Melrose, Jhb. 500m2 (R3M)

House Katz, Houghton, Jhb. 650m2 (R6M)

House Ainslie, Morningside, Jhb. 1200m2 (R15M)

House v.Niekerk, Misty Cliffs, Cape Town. 450m2 (R4M)

House Metz (refurbishment), Morningside, Jhb. 720m2 (R3M)

Lot 424 Housing Complex, Norwood, Jhb. 1,050m2 (R2M)

House Copans, Benmore, Jhb. 500m2 (R3M)

QV Trading (office refurbishment), CBD, Jhb. 220m2 (R0.5M)

House Newfiled (refurbishment), Glenhazel, Jhb. 300m2 (R1M)

Goldbar Cafe, Rosebank, Jhb. 180m2 (R0.2M)

House Tucker (refurbishment), River Club, Jhb. 370m2 (R0.2M)

Loft Hamburger (conversion), Mountainview, Jhb. 250m2 (R0.1M)

House Rosin (refurbishment), Forest Town, Jhb. 410m2 (R0.2M)

Fuel Café, Newtown, Jhb. 225m2 (R0.2M)

2001-2003 OMM Design Workshop and Urban Solutions, Johannesburg

PG Bison MOJA Store

Constitution Hill Urban Fabric and Street Furniture (detailed design)

1998-2000 Omni-Zygo Comprehensive Design Science, New York City

Versace Classic V2 (point of sale)

Engine Company 240, 261, 288 (NYC Fire Station refurbishments)

Cole Systems Inc. (office refurbishment)

Storey Residence, 16 E4 St, NYC

1995 O’Malley Moses and Associates, Johannesburg

State Ecuminical College, Harare

Tiger Wheel and Tyre, Jhb (conceptual)

1994-1995 Studio Daniel Libeskind, Los Angeles

Yokohama Port Terminal Competition

Lichterfeld Sud Housing Proposal

1994 Zvi Hecker Architects, Tel Aviv and Berlin

Palmach Museum, Tel Aviv

Heinz Galinski Judische Grundeschule, Berlin

1991-1993 Dennis Fabian, Berman and Hackner, Cape Town

Student internship during vacations

Education:

2007 Registered Professional Architect (Pr Arch reg. no. 7778)

1995-1998 Master of Architecture (M Arch): Columbia University in the City of New York, USA

1991-1993 Bachelor of Architectural Studies, with distinction (BAS): University of Cape Town , RSA

Awards:

2009 Finalist, House of the Year Competition, House and Leisure Magazine

1993 John Perry Prize, UCT.

1990 Distinction for Art, Matric Exemption.

Publications:

2009 Terence Conran, Eco House Book

April 2009 101 Woonideeen, Jantje Beton

August 2008 Wallpaper Magazine, Design Directory 2008, 50 Hottest Young Architect Firms

June 2008 Men’s Health Living, Concrete Plans

May 2008 Dwell Magazine, Katz’s Cradle

January 2008 House and Leisure Magazine, Grey’s Anatomy

April 2007 Business Day, Wanted Magazine,Top Boxer

Products:

39 Bottles TM: Acrylic modular bottle storage system.

Caterpillow TM: Modular seating designed for the catering industry. It combines removable backrests and ottomans on lockable castors. A range of useful combinations from daybed, lounge, banquet seating are possible.

Vesda-Lamp TM: LED lamps are encased in clear silicone rubber for a child-friendly, impact resistant, no heat, tactile, low energy, bedside lamp.

Situ Diamond Jewellery TM: A patented range of jewellery in which diamonds are encased in clear and coloured epoxy resin. The stones are magnified by the domed resin.

Comfi-Table TM: Designed for confined spaces, this table uses a simple threaded system for height adjustment from 45cm to 75cm. It can be used as a coffee table, dining table and anything in between.

Constitution Hill Streetlights: Designed for the OMM DWS + Urban Solutions Architects. The poles are made of wound fibre-glass with a band of clear gelcoat. Light from a luminaire inside the pole is emitted through the clear band at pedestrian eye-level.